Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to your most common questions about investment projections, assumptions, and support.
Using the Calculators
How do I enter a starting amount and monthly contributions together?
Use the "Present Value" field for your one-time starting amount and the "Monthly Payment" field for ongoing contributions. You can combine both to model lump-sum investing plus monthly deposits in the same projection.
Can I change the compounding frequency?
Yes. The compounding selector supports annual, semi-annual, quarterly, monthly, and daily compounding. Pick the option that matches the product you are evaluating to keep the projection realistic.
What if I need to compare multiple scenarios quickly?
Run your first scenario, then adjust the form and calculate again. Each run is saved in your local history so you can revisit, export, or share different examples without re-entering every value from scratch.
Is there a way to work backwards from a goal?
Yes. Switch to the Goal Reverse mode or use the AI Smart mode. Enter your target amount and timeframe and the calculator will suggest the required monthly contribution and total investment needed.
Financial Assumptions
Which annual return rate should I use?
Use conservative, research-backed assumptions: cash and savings accounts 0.5-2%, government bonds 2-4%, balanced portfolios 5-7%, aggressive equity portfolios 7-10%. Higher expected returns always involve higher risk and volatility.
Does the calculator adjust for inflation?
Results are displayed in nominal terms. For inflation-adjusted projections, subtract your expected inflation rate from the annual return or use the AI Smart mode's "consider inflation" what-if scenario for a quick comparison.
Can I calculate in different currencies?
Absolutely. Choose your preferred currency from the dropdown at the top of the calculator. Exchange-rate conversions are not applied-values are displayed in the currency you select for clarity.
Technical & Account
Do I need an account to save my results?
No account is required. Calculations are stored locally in your browser so you can revisit them later. Clearing your browser storage will remove saved history.
How do I share a calculation with someone else?
Use the Share button on the top navigation. You can copy a link with your inputs embedded or share a summary via email and social platforms. Manual export to CSV is on our roadmap.
What if the AI assistant is unavailable?
If the AI endpoint is busy or your API key is missing, the calculator falls back to a deterministic result so you still receive a projection. Try again later for the narrative insights.
Trust & Support
Do you store or sell my financial data?
No. All inputs stay in your browser and are never stored on our servers. API calls are anonymised and do not include personally identifiable information.
Who reviews the financial content on the site?
Articles and calculators are reviewed quarterly by our founder Zoe Kang (CFP® candidate) alongside licensed advisors in our contributor network. We cite primary sources at the end of each guide.
How can I contact the team if my question isn't listed?
Send us a message through the contact form or email support@futurevaluecalculator.tech. We respond within one business day (Monday-Friday, UTC+8).
Still need help?
Reach out to our support team for personalised assistance or explore our learning hub for step-by-step investing guides.